Scoring devices

ABSTRACT

Scoring devices for games.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/036,285, filed Jun. 8, 2020, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to scoring devices, and moreparticularly to scoring devices for outdoor/backyard games. Even moreparticularly, the scoring devices may be for cornhole, horseshoes, bocceball, etc.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor or backyard games, such as cornhole, horseshoes, etc., requirethe players to keep score during the game. In several of these games,the players stand a fair distance apart or move from station to station.Thus, it would be advantageous for the players to utilize a scoringdevice where the score is readily visually apparent and employs amarking system that is easy to operate.

Thus, there remains a need for improved scoring devices.

SUMMARY

There are several aspects of the present subject matter which may beembodied separately or together in the devices and systems described andclaimed below. These aspects may be employed alone or in combinationwith other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and thedescription of these aspects together is not intended to preclude theuse of these aspects separately or the claiming of such aspectsseparately or in different combinations as set forth in the claimsappended hereto.

In one aspect, a scoring device includes a first panel having a frontface, wherein the front face comprises a first color. The device has asecond panel superimposed over the front face of the first panel. Thesecond panel has a second color and a plurality of spaced aparttransparent scoring characters. The device further includes at least onescore marker positioned between the first panel and a second panel,wherein the score marker comprises a third color that is different fromthe first and second colors. The at least one score marker beingmoveable between the first and second panels so as to be selectivelypositioned behind a transparent scoring character, resulting in a visualcontrast between the scoring character and other scoring characters toindicate a score.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a scoring device ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the scoreboard of the scoring device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the first panel and second panel ofthe scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a score marker of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a close-up perspective view of another embodiment of a scoremarker inserted between the first panel and the second panel.

FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view of that score marker insertedbetween the first panel and the second panel;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a scoreboardhaving a third panel, shown in a mirror;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the stand andscoreboard of FIG. 1, shown with a light source;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the stand; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments disclosed herein are for the purpose of providing adescription of the present subject matter, and it is understood that thesubject matter may be embodied in various other forms and combinationsnot shown in detail. Therefore, specific embodiments and featuresdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the subjectmatter as defined in the accompanying claims.

The present application is directed to a scoring device that may be usedfor keeping score of a game. The scoring device may be particularlyuseful for keeping score of outdoor/backyard games or indoor games. Thescoring device may be used for example to keep score for cornhole,horseshoes, bocce ball, washers, and the like. Although the illustratedscoring device may be particularly suited for a game such as cornhole,the device may be used for other games as well. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the transparent scoring characters are numbers0-21, which is typically used to score cornhole. For other games, therange of numbers may be more or less than 0-21. Furthermore, the scoringcharacters may be tailored to any scoring system, such as tennis, andthe scoring characters could include any characters, such as letters,symbols, numbers, etc., depending on the game.

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of a scoring device10. The scoring device 10 incudes a scoreboard 12, and optionally, astand 14. The scoring device 10 also includes at least one score marker24, which is placed behind a number on the scoreboard 12 to visuallyindicate the score. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the scoreboard 12includes a first panel 16 and a second panel 18. The second panel 18 issuperimposed over and attached to the first panel 16. The second panel18 may be permanently or releasably attached to the first panel. Forexample, the second panel 18 may be screwed to the first panel 16. Inanother embodiment, the second panel 18 may be attached by loop and hook(Velcro®) to the first panel 16. The first panel 16 and second panel 18are in a manner such that the score marker 24 can be inserted betweenthe panels. In one alternative, the first panel 16 and second panel 18are not secured to each other about their edges.

The first panel 16 may be a wooden, metal or plastic board. Referring toFIG. 3, the first panel 16 includes a front face 20 that is a firstcolor. The second panel 18 is a second color and includes a plurality ofspaced apart transparent scoring characters 22. The second panel may bea sheet or panel of clear plastic, wherein the characters are invertedor negative printed on the plastic. In other embodiments, the lettersmay be punched or cut out of a wooden, plastic or metal board. As such,the term “transparent” is intended to include not only see throughmaterial but also such punched or cut out characters in the material.The second color of the second panel 18 may be the same or differentfrom that of the first panel 16. For example, both the first and secondpanels may be the same color, such as black. In other embodiments, thefirst panel may be one color and the second may be another. In anotheralternative, when there are two sets of transparent scoring characters,the portions of the first and second panel associated with one set ofscoring characters may be one color, and the portions of the first andsecond panel associated with the other set of scoring characters may bea different color. Each color may represent a different competitor'sscore.

As mentioned above, the transparent characters may be any variety ofcharacters, depending on the type of game for which score is being kept.Furthermore, the transparent characters may be any variety oforientations or configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, theplurality of transparent characters includes two side-by-side sets ofnumbers ranging from 0-21, wherein each set represents a competitor,respectively. This configuration may be particularly suited for gamesthat are played to a score of 21, such as cornhole. In otherembodiments, the transparent characters may be arranged horizontally.For example, two sets of numbers, wherein one set is on top of theother. In another alternative, the transparent characters may be in acircular arrangement.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-5, there is shown alternative embodiments of thescore marker 24 (FIGS. 4 and 5) and 24 a (FIG. 4A). The score marker 24,24 a includes a segment or strip 26, 26 a that is inserted between thefirst panel 16 and the second panel 18, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and5. The first and second panels 16, 18 are attached to each other suchthat the strip can be inserted between the opposed edges of the panels.The strip 26 is a different color and/or has a contrasting visualappearance from that of the first and second panels 16, 18. The stripmay be fluorescent, energized by light or black light reactive. Forexample, the strip 24, 24 a may be made of a fluorescent or glowmaterial or may be coated in fluorescent or glow paint. Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, the score marker may include two strips 26, wherein oneis fluorescent and the other is not. Alternatively, the score marker mayinclude two strips wherein each strip is a different color. In thisalterative, each competitor may be represented by a different colorstrip.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the marker 24 a may include a light source 28 aand the strip 26 a may be a clear material, such as plastic or glass,that illuminates or lights up as the light from the light source 28 apasses through it. Similar to above, each competitor may have adifferent colored light source. Furthermore, the light source may besuch that it can toggle between the colors.

Turning back to FIGS. 1, 2, 4A and 5, when the strip 26, 26 a of themarker 24, 24 a is placed between the first and second panels 16, 18 andbehind a transparent character, the strip 24, 24 a is visible throughthe transparent portion of second panel 18. This results in a visualcontrast from the colors of the first and second panels, therebyaccentuating, highlighting or emphasizing that character for theremaining characters to indicate the score. In one embodiment, thecharacter that is accentuated can be seen from a distance.

The marker 24, 24 a is moveable within the space between the panels 16,18 to change the score. Furthermore, the marker 24, 24 a may bereleasably attachable and/or slidably attached one or both of the firstand second panels 16, 18. For example, the marker 24 may have a clipconfiguration as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein the marker includes afirst arm 25 and a second arm 25 a biased toward one another. In thisembodiment, the first panel 16 is placed between the arms and the marker24 is clipped onto the panel 16 to hold its position. When the scoreneeds to be changed the marker 24 is unclipped and moved to anotherposition. In another alternative, the first and/or second panel 16, 18may be made of metal and the marker 24, 24 a may include a magnet thatholds it in place until the score needs to be changed. In yet anotherembodiment, the marker 24, 24 a may be friction fit between the firstand second panels 16, 18. In yet another embodiment, the marker may be aslider that is slidably attached to the scoreboard.

Turning now to FIG. 6, the scoreboard 12 may include a third panel 19superimposed over the back face of the first panel 16. In this figure,the third panel is shown in a mirror. Similar to the second panel 18,the third panel 19 includes a plurality of transparent scoringcharacters. In one embodiment, the scoring characters are commensurateor correspond with those of the second panel 18. A marker 24, as shownin FIG. 4, is used wherein the one strip 26 is between the first andsecond panels 16, 18, and the other strip 26 is between the first andthird panels 16, 19. In this embodiment, onlookers are able to see thescore from the third panel 19. In an alternative embodiment, the thirdpanel 19 is configured for a game that has a different scoring systemfrom that the second panel 18. In the embodiment, the scoreboard 12 maybe used for different games.

Turning to FIG. 7, there is shown one embodiment of the stand 14. Thestand includes an upper portion 30 and a lower portion 32. The upperportion 30 may include a top pole and the lower portion 32 may include abottom pole. The poles may be telescoping for convenient set-up,takedown, travel and storage. Furthermore, the scoreboard 12 may bereleasably attachable to the stand 14 also for convenient set-up,takedown, travel and storage. Thus, the scoring device may be easilyportable to different locations.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper portion 30 or lower portion 32 mayinclude a shelf 34. Optionally, the shelf 34 may include one or morecupholders 36. The shelf 34 may also serve as a support for thescoreboard 12. Referring to FIG. 8, the shelf 34 may include a slot 38for holding the bottom of the score board 12. The top of the scoreboard12 may be attached by any suitable method, such as by loop and hook.Optionally, the shelf 34 may also include a slot 40 for holding mobilephones or tablets. This may be used for live streaming the game from themobile phone or tablet. The shelf 34 may also include accessories, suchas phone chargers and Bluetooth speakers. The accessories could be builtinto the shelf and/or the shelf and accessories could be modular, suchthat the accessories may be added to the shelf.

Referring to FIG. 8, the upper portion 30 of the stand 14 may include alight source 42 or may be configured for releasable attachment of alight source 42. For example, the light source may be a flashlight.Furthermore, the upper portion may be configured such that the positionof the light source 42 may be adjusted. In one embodiment, the lightsource 42 is a directed source of light or a spot light that is focus orconcentrated on the board. This focus or concentration of light from thelight source 42 reduces the chances of the light affecting ordistracting the competitors. In other embodiments, the light source 42may both light up the scoreboard and be focused on the playing court orcomponents of the game. For example, for cornhole, the light may befocused on the cornhole board to see the bags on the playing surface andthe hole on the board. In an alternative, the light may be a black lightthat may be used to illuminate a black light reactive scoring marker.Furthermore, the light source may be configured such it eliminates orreduces shadows, which can be a distraction.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the lower portion 32 may include a pluralityof support legs 44 to support the stand. Optionally, or in addition tothe support legs, the stand may include a ground spike 46 to support thestand. In another alternative, the stand may also include a hook to hangitems such as a bag of cornhole bags or weights. This also may assist insupporting the stand.

It will be understood that the scoring device and scoreboard may be usedwith any suitable stand or support, which may be permanent, temporary,or portable. In one alternative, the scoreboard may be mounted on afence or wall. Alternatively, the scoreboard may be used without astand.

It will be understood that the embodiments described above areillustrative of some of the applications of the principles of thepresent subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theclaimed subject matter, including those combinations of features thatare individually disclosed or claimed herein. For these reasons, thescope hereof is not limited to the above description but is as set forthin the following claims, and it is understood that claims may bedirected to the features hereof, including as combinations of featuresthat are individually disclosed or claimed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A scoring device, comprising: a first panelhaving a front face, wherein the front face comprises a first color; asecond panel superimposed over the front face of the first panel, thesecond panel comprising a second color and a plurality of spaced aparttransparent scoring characters; at least one score marker positionedbetween the first panel and the second panel, wherein the score markercomprises a third color that is different from the first and secondcolors; and wherein the at least one score marker is moveable betweenthe first and second panels so as to be selectively positioned behind atransparent scoring character, resulting in a visual contrast betweenthe scoring character and other scoring characters to indicate a score.2. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the first and second colorsare the same or similar colors.
 3. The scoring device of claim 1,wherein the at least one score marker comprises a strip inserted betweenthe first and second panels.
 4. The scoring device of claim 1, whereinthe at least one score marker is releasably attached to one of the firstand second panels.
 5. The scoring device of claim 4, wherein the scoremarker comprises one of a clip and a magnet.
 6. The scoring device ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one score marker is slidably attached tothe first and/or second panel and slides therealong.
 7. The scoringdevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker comprises twoor more score markers.
 8. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the atleast one score marker is fluorescent, black light activated or glows.9. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced aparttransparent characters comprises a first set of characters representinga first competitor and a second set representing a second competitor.10. The scoring device of claim 9, wherein the first and second set ofcharacters are side-by-side vertically aligned on the second panel. 11.The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the first and second panel arereleasably attached to one another.
 12. The scoring device of claim 1,further including a scoreboard and a stand, wherein the first panel andsecond panel define the scoreboard.
 13. The scoring device of claim 12,wherein the scoreboard and stand are releasably attachable to eachother.
 14. The scoring device of claim 12, wherein the stand includes anupper support and a lower support, and wherein the upper and lowersupport are telescopic.
 15. The scoring device of claim 14, furtherincluding feet associated with the lower support.
 16. The scoring deviceof claim 12, wherein the stand further includes a light source.
 17. Thescoring device of claim 12, further including a shelf.
 18. The scoringdevice of claim 1, further including a third panel superimposed over theback face of the first panel, wherein the third panel has a secondplurality of transparent scoring characters.
 19. The scoring device ofclaim 1, wherein the second panel comprises clear plastic and thetransparent scoring characters are negative printed on the panel. 20.The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the second panel comprises apanel wherein the transparent scoring characters are cut or punched outof the panel.